Hello,
I’m Krista McCann, head coach of the 2024-2025 U11 Tier 1.
I have been coaching for more than 14 years, learning from and partnering with some incredible coaches along the way.
Our U11 Tier 1 team will enter as either B, BB, or A. We will play a series of exhibition games and a pre-season tournament to determine our most appropriate fit. The level of experience and skill of our team will dictate our capacity to compete at a higher level. This said, we will offer summer team skates to ensure we enter our season strong and prepared.
Your player will fit in well on our squad if she loves to compete, loves hockey, enjoys a strong team environment, and is willing to push her development to the next level.
At this age, heavy focus is placed on individual skill development, individual tactic, team tactics, and some basic strategy. Players will be expected to invest themselves fully at practices, bringing focus, effort, and intensity.
Rep level hockey comes with greater demands of time and commitment. This team will enter a minimum of 3 tournaments, 1 US team experience, some additional skill development sessions beyond practices, and some off-ice development.
We realize that players at this age are entering U11 from the U9 pathway program. Please do not feel intimidated by any of the information being shared in this communication. If you and your athlete are willing to make the extra investment into competitive hockey, please attend tryouts!
The trade-off for your commitment is an incredible learning and development experience. I am confident that your player will end her season with greater confidence and skill, and most importantly, a positive and memorable year (ideally with some extra hardware to add to her bedroom display).
The 2023-2024 U11 team had a successful season and we look forward to icing a competitive team with players who will help us build on this great momentum.
Skate hard in evaluations, girls! We look forward to seeing you bring your best!
Go Sabres!